'He’s still the same old Charlie,' says owner

Charlie, a Labrador-heeler mix, is back at home after disappearing in August. (Submitted by Scott and Kandice Moss)

Charlie, a Labrador–heeler mix who calls Swift Current, Sask., home, has been getting a few more treats and pats than usual these days — and he's earned them, after what was probably an incredible journey.

After disappearing from his family's front yard through a gate that was mistakenly left open and spending 85 days braving the elements, he came home last week — full of fleas and a few pounds lighter.

Owner Kandice Moss said Charlie's journey began back in August when she and her husband noticed their two dogs were missing from the yard.

Their initial search was met with tragedy when they discovered that one of their dogs, Charlie's brother, had been hit by a vehicle.

With no Charlie to be found, Moss said they expanded their search efforts, putting a call out on social media, handing out posters, taking out radio and online ads, and calling Saskatchewan Animal Protection Services, all in hopes they would find their four-legged family member.